We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jorge Rios. Check out our conversation below.
Jorge , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
5:30 AM alarm, coffee, Central Park run, shower.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a painter living and working in New York City.
I was born in Havana, Cuba in 1988, right before the collapse of the Soviet Union. I grew up amid the propaganda of a totalitarian regime—mandatory marches, chants, uniforms—while simultaneously being exposed, through pirate antennas and smuggled catalogues, to the capitalist exuberance of the 90s.
I started painting as a kid and never stopped. I hold a BA (2007) from the National Academy of Beaux Arts “San Alejandro”, a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (2021) and graduated as a Chancellors’ Fellow with an MFA at Washington University in St. Louis in 2023.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My parents! They were always unconditionally supportive of my vocation, even though they come from totally different professional backgrounds.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
When I first moved to New York I gave myself a couple years, then I would move back to South Florida. Well, the two years passed, I don’t think I’ll be leaving anytime soon…
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Art, art, art!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
I quickly grow bored of repetition, so I prioritize stylistic variety over a consistent visual identity. That means I’m always producing stuff with a very unpredictable pay off — but I don’t think artists should worry too much about that kind of stuff.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jorgerios.net
- Instagram: @sense.non.no
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
